Transmigrating into a book, seducing him to rise to power

Qiluan Palace.

"Your Highness has returned. The servants report that His Highness is on his way to Qiluan Palace."

Meixiang stood to one side, reporting softly to Lingyue.

Upon hearing this, Ling Yue's delicate body trembled slightly, and a sorrowful expression appeared on her face.

"Meixiang, I no longer know how to face His Highness."

As she spoke, her eyes filled with tears. Since returning to the East Palace this morning, her tears had been flowing intermittently like beads from a broken string.

Just thinking about how Jun Zechen and Su Jingyao were so intimate last night made her heart ache as if it were being stabbed.

Seeing this, Meixiang quickly stepped forward to comfort her, "Your Highness, you must be strong and absolutely must not clash with His Highness again. If you continue to argue with him, wouldn't that be pushing him further and further away from Consort Su?"

Ling Yue bit her lip, her brows furrowing slightly.

"Meixiang, you're right. Aze still loves me. He must have come to explain what happened last night. I can't stay angry with him."

Ling Yue gently wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes and forced herself to remain calm.

"His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived—"

The eunuchs outside the palace saw the crown prince's figure in the distance and immediately shouted loudly.

Jun Zechen walked into the hall with slightly heavy steps. At this moment, his heart was full of entanglement, and he did not know how to face Ling Yue.

But some things still need to be resolved and clarified.

Ling Yue looked up and saw Jun Zechen walking slowly towards her. She took a deep breath, stood up, and went forward.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects." Her voice trembled slightly, and her figure appeared somewhat frail.

Jun Zechen looked at Ling Yue in front of him and felt a strange feeling welling up in his heart.

In fact, he had long ago exempted Ling Yue from paying her respects in private and allowed her to call him by more intimate terms in private. Today, her politeness made him feel a little uncomfortable.

But he didn't say much. Jun Zechen now understood that some things shouldn't be promised lightly.

"Get up." His voice was flat and emotionless.

Ling Yue stood up, her reddened eyes looking at him with a wronged expression. Jun Zechen sighed inwardly and gently pulled her into his arms.

Overwhelmed by his gentle actions, Ling Yue could no longer hold back her tears, which flowed out like a flood.

"Waaah, Aze, I thought you didn't like me anymore."

Her voice was filled with deep grievance and sorrow, and her shoulders trembled uncontrollably.

Jun Zechen didn't speak, but slowly stretched out his large hand and gently stroked her soft hair, his movements extremely gentle, as if he were comforting a wounded little animal.

His eyes held tenderness and affection, but also some complex emotions; his dark pupils were as deep as a still pool, making them difficult to fathom.

Ling Yue cried for a long time until her tears gradually stopped, and only then did Jun Zechen finally speak.

"Last night, my concubine accidentally drank some flower tea from Mofenglou that had been spiked, which is why I drank it with her..."

At this point, he paused slightly, a subtle, complex expression flashing across his face.

What Jun Zechen didn't say was that the more important reason was that he himself couldn't control himself. In the ambiguous atmosphere last night, he couldn't resist Su Jingyao's temptation and even enjoyed it.

Hearing his explanation, Ling Yue felt a little relieved of her frustration.

She could accept it as long as Jun Zechen didn't intentionally break their agreement.

However, she knew clearly in her heart that Jun Zechen had already been attracted to Su Jingyao!

"Aze, as long as you have me in your heart, I don't care how many women you have. You will be the emperor of the country in the future, and the ministers will not allow their emperor to have few heirs."

Ling Yue's voice carried a hint of helplessness and compromise, but her eyes were full of determination and persistence.

"I... I don't know why I haven't had children yet, but I will love any child that is Aze's. I only hope that I can grow old with Aze, live together in the same bed and die together in the same grave."

Her words revealed a deep sorrow and expectation.

Hearing Ling Yue's words of forbearance, Jun Zechen was suddenly overwhelmed with guilt.

He thought he knew her well enough, but he never expected that she would become so submissive for him.

He felt sorry for Ling Yue, whose edges had been smoothed out in the harem, but he was powerless to help her. All he could do was hold her tightly and offer her comfort.

Jun Zechen only realized his selfishness at this moment.

He couldn't choose between Ling Yue and Su Jingyao; he was both captivated by Ling Yue's affection and unable to resist Su Jingyao's allure.

"Alright, Yue'er will always be my wife."

Jun Zechen's voice was deep and magnetic, as if it possessed a kind of magic, rekindling a glimmer of hope in Ling Yue's broken heart.

Ling Yue received his response, and a bright smile immediately bloomed on her face. She raised her face and nestled tightly into the man's embrace, greedily absorbing the warmth and sense of security he exuded.

Evening Glory Palace.

After returning, Su Jingyao leisurely stepped into the bathtub filled with flower petals, the warm water soothing her fatigue.

She soaked in the hot spring for a long time before slowly getting up, letting Miaoyun and the others gently wipe her skin with soft towels.

Afterwards, Miaoyun and the others gave her a complete set of skin care and massage procedures. Their techniques were skillful and gentle, and Su Jingyao felt that the fatigue from being tormented by that scoundrel last night had dissipated a lot, and every inch of her skin was enjoying this pampering.

After everything was finished, Su Jingyao lay limp and powerless on the chaise lounge, like a lazy flower after it had bloomed.

Her hair was slightly damp and casually scattered on the couch, adding to her allure.

Miaoyun sat on a low stool, gently holding a round fan in her hand, and fanning Su Jingyao intermittently.

"Your Highness, after His Highness returned today, he went to Qiluan Palace and hasn't come out since. I heard that Anshun brought all the memorials to Qiluan Palace, and then His Highness reviewed them there."

Upon hearing this, Su Jingyao chuckled softly.

"It seems our Crown Princess is finally starting to know how to coax men."

Her lips curled up slightly, with a hint of barely perceptible mockery.

Su Jingyao didn't even need to think; Ling Yue was definitely "feigning weakness to appease the enemy." If she had acted as recklessly as she did last night, Jun Zechen would have stormed out in anger long ago.

"Then won't you, Master, snatch His Highness away?" Miaoyun asked softly.

"Rob? Since I entered the Eastern Palace, have I ever robbed anything? Didn't His Highness deliver himself to my doorstep?"

Su Jingyao's tone carried a hint of languor and confidence. She slowly opened her eyes, her bright eyes gleaming with wisdom.

"Miaoyun, you must remember, what you steal openly is never worth it, even if you manage to steal it."

After Su Jingyao finished speaking, she closed her eyes again, enjoying the rare moment of comfort. Her expression was relaxed and carefree, as if the whole world had nothing to do with her.

Miaoyun nodded as if she understood, though she couldn't fully comprehend her master's words. But she believed in her master from the bottom of her heart.

Just look at the Crown Prince now. Didn't he swear back then that he didn't like his master and didn't want to touch him? But now he's actively getting close to his master, isn't he?

These past few days, Su Jingyao has been living a very comfortable and carefree life in Xiyan Palace. She spends her time reading, writing, playing the zither, and painting. In short, even when she doesn't have to please men, she makes sure she can live a comfortable life.

That day, Su Jingyao was sitting in her study, writing quietly. Her posture was dignified and elegant, and her expression was focused and serene.

Miaoxue, the most lively of the four maids, tiptoed in.

She stood to Su Jingyao's right rear, hesitating slightly, her eyes showing a hint of uncertainty.

Miaoxue opened her mouth, hesitated, and said timidly, "Master, Miaoyun, Miaoxia, and Miaoyue don't dare to ask you..."

Su Jingyao paused slightly in her hand, pen in hand, but did not look up. She simply asked calmly, "What are you asking me? After following me for so many years, why can't you still keep your temper in check?"

Miaoxue pursed her lips slightly, mustered her courage and said, "Your Highness, whenever the Crown Princess returns to the Eastern Palace these past few days, she immediately sends someone to invite Your Highness to Qiluan Palace."

"It's one thing that His Highness hasn't come to our place these past few days, but Miaoyue was even given a hard time when she went to the East Palace's kitchen to get ingredients. Is the Crown Princess deliberately making things difficult for us?"

Su Jingyao's daily meals are extremely refined, and she usually takes them to the small kitchen in Xiyan Palace where Miaoyue carefully prepares them.

"Don't talk nonsense. How did the kitchen give you any trouble?"

Su Jingyao's voice remained calm as her pen continued to dance across the paper.

"Yesterday, Miaoyue wanted to cook fish for you, but the kitchen said that all the fish had died. However, there were still many fish in the water tank next to it. After Miaoyue asked, the head eunuch in the kitchen said that those fish were for the Crown Princess and His Highness the Crown Prince."

Miaoxue grew increasingly angry as she spoke, her voice tinged with grievance.

"And today, we ran out of fine salt in our small kitchen in Xiyan Palace, so I went to the main kitchen to ask for some. But the head of the main kitchen ignored me until after mealtime, when he finally gave me the fine salt. His expression was also very unfriendly."

A dark glint flashed in Su Jingyao's eyes, and she frowned slightly.

It seems the naive Crown Princess has finally learned to fight back, but her methods are still too immature.

Su Jingyao didn't want to waste her energy on these trivial matters.

As for Ling Yue's daily visits to Jun Zechen's Qiluan Palace, Su Jingyao simply watched it like a show.

Ling Yue still had too high expectations of men. If she went to block Jun Zechen for a day or two, Jun Zechen might go to Qiluan Palace to accompany and coax her because of his guilt and heartache on the day of the Flower Festival.

But this has been going on for several days now. Not only does Jun Zechen have to deal with state affairs every day, but he also has to appease women when he returns to the Eastern Palace.

For Jun Zechen, it's more like women are the ones who coax him.

Because of the promise Jun Zechen made to her, Ling Yue always placed herself and Jun Zechen on roughly the same level, always feeling that Jun Zechen should love her, coax her, and spoil her.

If they are truly equals, there's nothing wrong with this kind of relationship.

However, Jun Zechen's identity reveals his extraordinary nature; it's not that he's good at charming women, but rather that women must maintain their attraction to him.

Guilt is a useless emotion that can't be held onto for long, Jun Zechen.

"Did Your Highness go to Qiluan Palace today as well?"

Su Jingyao raised her head slightly, her expression calm and composed, and asked in a soft voice.

"No, not today. I heard that the people from Qiluan Palace also went to invite His Highness, but His Highness said that he was busy with government affairs today and was tired, so he rested in Yude Palace."

Miaoxue's tone held a hint of schadenfreude.

Upon hearing this, Su Jingyao's lips curled up slightly, revealing a barely perceptible sneer.

That's pretty much what she thought.

Jun Zechen had already changed his mind, not to mention that his feelings for her were still in the most novel stage. Being guarded against and hindered by Ling Yue like this, Jun Zechen must be feeling frustrated.

After all, you'll always crave food you haven't had enough of.

"The sky is overcast today; it may rain tonight."

Su Jingyao slowly raised her head and looked out the window. The inky sky seemed to be pressing down on her.

Miaoxue was puzzled, not understanding why her master suddenly brought up the weather.

"My lord, it's likely to rain today, but it should just be a light drizzle. It rained this afternoon, so there shouldn't be any thunder. My lord need not be afraid."

"If you are afraid, my lady, I will come to accompany you." Miaoxue looked at Su Jingyao with sincere eyes and her face was full of concern.

Su Jingyao smiled, then teased, "What if I wanted His Highness to accompany me?"

"Then this servant will go to Yude Palace to invite His Highness here for my master," Miaoxue said firmly without hesitation.

"Alright, I'll have you go and invite His Highness tonight."

A sly glint flashed in Su Jingyao's eyes as she spoke in a meaningful tone.

Upon hearing this, Miaoxue felt a surge of excitement and a joyful smile appeared on her face. Her mistress was finally about to begin vying for the emperor's favor.

At the beginning of the Xu hour, Su Jingyao, who had just finished washing up, wore a light pink gauze dress and looked like a delicate peach blossom. She gracefully walked to the soft couch and sat down.

Her long, flowing hair cascaded casually over her shoulders, adding to her gentleness and charm.

On the low table in the middle of the soft couch was a sheet of white paper. Su Jingyao stretched out her slender hand, gently picked up the brush, dipped it in ink, and then slowly wrote on the paper.

Her expression was focused and serious. After finishing writing, Su Jingyao glanced at the neat handwriting on the paper with satisfaction, and the corners of her mouth turned up slightly, revealing a sweet and lovely smile.

She carefully folded the paper, placed it in an elegant envelope, and then handed it to Miaoxue, who was standing to the side.

"Miaoxue, go ahead and give it to His Highness yourself."

Su Jingyao blinked her bright, mischievous eyes playfully, a sly glint in them.

"Yes, Master," Miaoxue replied happily, clutching the envelope tightly in both hands as if it were a precious treasure.

After Miaoxue went out, she picked up an umbrella and walked towards the outside of the hall.

A light rain was falling outside the palace. Miaoxue carefully hid the letter in her bosom to keep it dry.

Outside Yude Hall, Anshun saw Miaoxue coming and hurriedly went to greet her.

A complex expression appeared on his face, a mixture of respect and helplessness.

He had served in the Eastern Palace for over a decade, and now, facing the two masters of Qiluan Palace and Xiyan Palace, he was truly caught in a dilemma.

Anshun originally thought it was a pity that this beautiful concubine could not win the prince's favor in the Eastern Palace, but now he realized how wrong he was.

This concubine is no ordinary woman.

"Miss Miaoxue, it's raining, what brings you here?" Anshun's voice carried a hint of concern.

"Eunuch Anshun, the master has sent me a letter to His Highness, saying that I should deliver it to him personally. May I inform him?" Miaoxue's voice was clear and melodious, her eyes full of anticipation.

"Miss Miaoxue, please wait a moment while I go in and ask."

As Anshun spoke, he turned and walked into the Yude Hall.

Jun Zechen sat upright in the head seat, his posture upright and his bearing imposing. He held a book in his hand and was reading intently. The bright candlelight danced on his handsome face, making his features even more three-dimensional and distinct.

His face had strong, yet gentle features; deep-set eyes, a straight nose, and tightly closed, thin lips. He was expressionless, appearing cold and mysterious, like a deity, inspiring awe in all who beheld him.

"Your Highness, Consort Su's personal maid, Miaoxue, requests an audience," Anshun said softly, bowing slightly.

Upon hearing that she was from Su Jingyao's palace, Jun Zechen's deep, cold eyes flickered slightly before he asked calmly, "What brings you here?"

"Miaoxue said that Consort Su wrote you a letter and instructed Miaoxue to deliver it to you personally," Anshun replied respectfully.

"Let her in."

"Yes."

An Shun agreed, then turned and went out, and soon came in with Miao Xue.

Miaoxue followed behind Anshun, feeling a little nervous. She carefully took steps and came to Jun Zechen.

"This servant greets Your Highness," Miaoxue said respectfully, curtsying slightly.

"Get up, bring it here."

Jun Zechen's voice remained calm, but it always gave people a sense of pressure.

Miaoxue quickly stood up and respectfully presented the envelope with both hands.

Jun Zechen took the envelope, opened it, unfolded the letter, and read it carefully:

Tonight, the rain is light and continuous, but sadly there is no thunder. May Your Highness rest in peace.

Just three sentences.

Jun Zechen frowned, his eyes narrowing slightly, somewhat puzzled by her thoughts.

"Does your master have any other instructions?"

Jun Zechen raised his head and looked at Miaoxue, asking her a question.

Seeing the prince's puzzled expression, Miaoxue was also curious about what her master had written to him, but her master had not given her any instructions.

She answered truthfully, "Your Highness, no."

"Okay, you can go back now."

Jun Zechen waved his hand, signaling Miaoxue to step back. Miaoxue bowed respectfully and then slowly withdrew.

After Miaoxue left, Jun Zechen took the letter and read it carefully again and again, his brows furrowing slightly, his eyes full of doubt and confusion.

His slender fingers gently caressed the letter, as if trying to find some hidden clues.

It was indeed drizzling outside tonight. Jun Zechen clearly remembered that she was always afraid of thunder, but she regretted in her letter that there was no thunder today.

Isn't that contradictory? Besides, if there hadn't been thunder, wouldn't he have been able to sleep more soundly?

Then why should she feel sorry?

Jun Zechen's mind was completely occupied by the letter, and he couldn't even concentrate on the book in his hand.

She pondered these words repeatedly in her mind. She was so learned and talented. Could there be some deeper meaning behind these three sentences?

Jun Zechen was completely baffled, and his heart was itching with curiosity.

"Anshun, go to Xiyan Palace."

Jun Zechen's deep voice echoed in the hall, a hint of urgency flashing in his eyes.

An Shun was startled when she heard Jun Zechen's instructions. His Highness had refused the Crown Princess's invitation today. If His Highness went to Xiyan Palace tonight, what would the Crown Princess think tomorrow?

Consort Su wrote a letter, and His Highness sat there reading it for a long time, and even now, in the rain, he still wants to go to Xiyan Palace.

The concubine is truly skilled.

Despite the turmoil in his mind, Anshun respectfully replied, "Yes, Your Highness."

When Jun Zechen arrived at Xiyan Palace, only a single candle flickered weakly in the bedchamber; she was already fast asleep.

Jun Zechen tiptoed into the bedchamber without making a sound.

He stood quietly by the bed, gazing at her tenderly.

Her sleeping face was sweet and peaceful. In the dim candlelight, her eyelashes cast a faint shadow under her eyes, her small and pert nose twitched slightly, and her lovely red lips were slightly upturned. Her whole face was as beautiful as a dream.

Jun Zechen just looked at her quietly, as if time had stood still at that moment.

After a long while, Su Jingyao seemed to sense something, but she did not open her eyes and remained in her sleeping position.

"How much longer will Your Highness look at me?" Su Jingyao's voice carried a hint of languor and playfulness.

Jun Zechen was slightly taken aback, not expecting that she had already noticed his presence.

"How did Yao Yao know it was me?"

Su Jingyao opened her eyes, turned to her side, propped her head up with her hand, and looked at Jun Zechen with a playful and cute smile.

"Because Your Highness and I are of one mind, I sensed Your Highness's arrival as soon as I arrived."

"You smooth talker, why did you deliver a letter to me today, and why are you sleeping so early after delivering it?"

"I had Miaoxue deliver a letter to Your Highness in the rain. Does Your Highness not understand what this means?"

Jun Zechen pursed his lips slightly; he truly did not yet know the specific meaning expressed in her letter.

However, his face remained expressionless, not wanting to expose his ignorance in front of her. How could he, a dignified crown prince, possibly lose to a mere woman in terms of literary talent?

Jun Zechen strode forward, his tall figure instantly enveloping Su Jingyao.

He bent down, placing his hands on either side of the woman, his gaze deep and intense as he met her watery eyes.

"Since you're destined to rest in peace, why regret the lack of thunder?" Jun Zechen's voice was deep and magnetic.

"Without thunder, how can I possibly have any reason to snuggle into Your Highness's arms?"

Su Jingyao smiled radiantly, her eyes sparkling with mischief, then hugged the man's lean waist tightly, pressing her smiling face against his chest.

Jun Zechen's heart skipped a beat, and his eyes suddenly widened in shock. How could she say such a thing!

Jun Zechen's gaze became even more intense, as if he wanted to melt her.

"Why is your mouth so sweet!" His voice was deep and husky, carrying a hint of barely perceptible lust.

Jun Zechen's eyes began to blaze with anger, and his breathing became somewhat rapid.

"Because my heart is sweet." With that, Su Jingyao placed Jun Zechen's hand on her chest. "Can Your Highness feel it?"

"I didn't feel it."

Jun Zechen pressed his lips to her ear, his voice low and slow, with a hint of huskiness, as if he were deliberately seducing her.

"I miss Your Highness. My heart is filled with thoughts of you, so my heart is sweet."

Su Jingyao blinked her big, bright eyes and looked sincerely at Jun Zechen.

Jun Zechen could no longer hold back. Where did this woman learn these seductive tricks?

"Then I'll have a taste!"

He leaned down and kissed her lips fiercely, greedily savoring her sweetness.